Responding to the announcement of the government’s Plan for Jobs, ahead of tomorrow’s Summer Economic Statement, National Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Mike Cherry said:
“A focus on jobs is absolutely essential to lift the country out of the economic hardship caused by the Covid crisis.
“It has been worrying to see the rising number of young people out of work, and with 700,000 16-24 year olds due to join the labour market this summer this needs a major intervention to prevent a generation lost to long-term unemployment.
“Small businesses are disproportionately likely to employ young people, as well as people who were previously out of work, and therefore the government must implement its £2bn Kickstart Scheme in such a way as to allow smaller employers to play their part fully. Small businesses must not be left waiting in line behind big corporates when they could get people to work now.
“More than nine-in-ten apprenticeships in small businesses are held by 16-to-24 year olds. We hope to see more support for apprenticeships announced as part of the government’s rescue package. Alongside the traineeships funding announced earlier this week, this should make a real difference.
“Small businesses account for around sixty per cent of all private sector employment in the UK. It’s vital to see support for jobs right across the board – both for young people and the rest of the workforce.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
About FSB
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB’s) mission is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions. As well as being the UK’s leading business campaigning organisation, FSB also offers its members a wide range of vital business services, including a 24/7 legal advice line, access to finance, cyber protection, events and a powerful voice heard in governments.
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